Squad 2017/18 - Forwards

At the dawn of the new Premier League season, we're profiling each area of Manchester United's first-team squad as it stands. Here, we take a look at Jose Mourinho's forward options, their form of last season and how they fared in pre-season...

ROMELU LUKAKU
United career stats: 1 appearance, 1 goal

One of several big-name arrivals at Old Trafford this summer, Lukaku was on fire in front of goal last term as he scored 25 goals in 37 Premier League outings for Everton. The 24-year-old impressed in pre-season for United as he netted three goals in seven tour games, and he carried his form into the Super Cup as he struck in the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in Skopje, where he enthralled new team-mate Nemanja Matic. “I am happy for him that he scored a goal,” Matic said. “I’m sure he will continue to score goals and that he will score many this season.”

ANTHONY MARTIAL
United career stats: 91 appearances, 25 goals

The fleet-footed Frenchman scored eight goals in 42 appearances across all competitions last season, as well as supplying eight assists for his team-mates. Martial has since shone on the pre-season tour, and he featured in all seven matches, scoring one goal and providing one memorable assist for Jesse Lingard in the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid, which drew praise from the England international. “He's only going to get better," Lingard said. "He's still young and if he carries on with that confidence [he showed for the goal] in the next few games and throughout the season, he'll help us a lot."

MARCUS RASHFORD
United career stats: 72 appearances, 19 goals

Despite being just 19 years of age, Rashford was a regular in Jose Mourinho’s side last term, and he amassed an incredible 53 appearances, netting 11 goals. The youngster earned plaudits for his pre-season exploits too, as he registered three strikes in his seven games, and while on tour he admitted he was looking forward to taking on more responsibility in the upcoming campaign. “Season by season, I have different aims and responsibilities in the team,” he said. “I think this year hopefully I can take more responsibility on. That’s my aim this year.”

JAMES WILSON
United career stats: 20 appearances, 4 goals

Wilson’s 2016/17 campaign was cut short by injury, though he did manage to spend a short spell on loan at Derby County early in the season, where he scored once in five league and cup outings. The young striker missed out on United's pre-season tour as he continued to recover from injury, so he will look to push for a place in the first team this term by producing impressive performances for the Reds' Reserves.